This archive report was first published on 17 December 2019.
December 17, 2019, marked the announcement of a new program by Topeka, the capital city of Kansas, aimed at attracting new residents. The initiative, called 'Choose Topeka,' offers potential new residents up to $15,000 to relocate to the city.
Under the program, new residents who rent houses will receive up to $10,000, while those who purchase or rehabilitate a home will be eligible for $15,000. This incentive is part of a pilot program designed to foster an 'intentional community' in Topeka and Shawnee County.
According to Barbara Stapleton, vice president of Business Retention and Talent Initiatives for GO Topeka, the program was created to invest in employees and encourage them to live and work in Topeka and Shawnee County. 'Choose Topeka was created with the intention of investing in employees to live and work in Topeka & Shawnee County, so that we may foster an 'intentional community,' one of community support builders,' she said.
The program is a partnership between GO Topeka and the Joint Economic Development Organization. The funds are available for 40 to 60 new residents in the program's initial run. The performance-based incentives only kick in a year after the employee has relocated and could be used for all types of moving-related expenses.
